Riad El Amine Fes

Riad El Amine Fes: A Glimpse into Moroccan Grandeur with Michelin Recognition

Riad El Amine Fes stands out as a luxurious retreat in the heart of Fes, Morocco, celebrated for its authentic Moroccan charm, stunning architecture, and exceptional hospitality. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it promises an elevated and memorable stay for guests seeking a deep immersion into Fassi culture and elegance.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Riad El Amine Fes is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "stunning," "exceptional," and a "hidden oasis". Review scores for staff, cleanliness, and comfort are particularly high, often ranging from 9.1 to 9.6 out of 10. Many consider it an unforgettable experience, akin to staying in an art gallery.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Riad El Amine Fes:

• Design & Ambiance: The riad is lauded for its "stunning restoration of a centuries-old ryad," showcasing classic Moroccan architecture and extravagant arabesque design. Guests are captivated by the rich, warm colors, tiled floors, high ceilings, and intricate details that make every corner feel historic yet comfortable. The courtyard pool is often described as a "blue oasis".
• Service & Hospitality: The staff's kindness, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality are frequently highlighted. Many guests mention specific individuals like Aisha, Zakariyya, Zahra, and Othmane for their excellent service and willingness to go above and beyond.
• Spa & Wellness: The onsite spa, offering massages, hammam experiences, facials, body scrubs, and body treatments, is a significant draw. It features a hot tub, sauna, and Turkish bath, providing a complete relaxation journey.
• Historic Setting: Its location within one of Fes's two medinas allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the historic and vibrant atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Riad El Amine Fes are described as comfortable, well-equipped, and designed with authentic Moroccan aesthetics. They feature air conditioning, TV, private bathrooms, and bathrobes. Some rooms also boast balconies. Suites offer high ceilings and sitting areas. Guests appreciate the curated decor, pillowtop mattresses with premium, hypo-allergenic bedding, and the option of in-room champagne service. While generally praised, a few isolated comments mention some rooms not precisely matching pictures, or being small, with minor issues like loose bathroom knobs.

4. Dining Experience

Riad El Amine Fes offers a delightful dining experience, with its two restaurants, Essâadia and El Bahia, promising Moroccan gastronomy at its finest.

• Breakfast: The breakfast is consistently described as "ample" and is served overlooking the pool.
• Restaurant Quality: The restaurants showcase local produce, leading up to traditional tagines slow-roasted in glazed earthenware. One guest specifically praised a burger and tacos as "delicious" and "incredibly good," with a professional and kind server.
• Mixed Feedback: While many enjoy the culinary offerings, some guests have noted limited menu options despite a diverse menu being advertised, long waiting times for orders, and prices that are perceived as higher than usual.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Riad El Amine Fes receive almost universal acclaim. Guests consistently praise the entire team for their warmth, attentiveness, and helpfulness. From the welcoming reception team to the genuinely kind breakfast staff, every interaction is noted for its true hospitality. The owner, Mr. Amine, is even mentioned for personally ensuring guest satisfaction. Staff members are often highlighted for arranging tours and assisting with various requests.

6. Location & Accessibility

The riad boasts an excellent location at the entrance of the Medina, making it complementary for tourists exploring the old city and its attractions. Its address is 94-96 Bouajjara, Derb Majmaa Doula, Fes. Guests find its situation ideal for navigating Fes and accessing key sites.

7. Value & Pricing

While many guests feel their stay at Riad El Amine Fes is an exceptional experience worth the cost, there are some mixed opinions regarding its value and pricing. Some reviewers suggest that while the property is beautiful, the price might be "a bit overstated" or that "you could stay in much better Riads for this price". However, others consider it an "excellent" stay and worthy of a five-star rating. The Michelin Guide's inclusion suggests a certain standard of quality and corresponding pricing.

8. Common Complaints

While the overall sentiment is highly positive, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Dining inconsistencies: Some guests experienced limited menu choices despite a diverse offering, and long waits for food, with prices perceived as high.
• Room discrepancies: Isolated comments mention rooms not appearing precisely as pictured online, or being on the smaller side with minor maintenance issues.
• Noise from events: One guest reported difficulty sleeping due to an event at the riad exceeding acceptable hours.
• Transfer arrangements: A booked transfer was described as disorganized and requiring cash unexpectedly.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. tablethotels.com
5. hoteles.com
6. postcard.inc
7. riadelaminefes.com